COLCHESTER United head coach John McGreal is hoping key midfielder Harry Pell will return soon after he missed their defeat at Plymouth Argyle.

Pell, who missed the final three months of last season because of a hamstring injury, did not travel to Home Park due to suffering tendonitis in his Achilles following the 1-1 draw with Port Vale, last weekend.

The midfielder underwent a scan last week which showed no major issues and boss McGreal is hoping he returns in the near future.

McGreal also confirmed that attacker Paris Cowan-Hall received the green light after also undergoing a scan on an Achilles injury which has prevented the summer signing from making his U's league debut, this season.

McGreal said: “Harry felt his Achilles last week.

“He had a scan and that’s all clear, as has Paris.

“We’re hoping Harry will be back sooner, rather than later."

McGreal is demanding more from his Colchester attack following their 1-0 loss at Plymouth.

The U’s lost out after they drew a blank at Home Park, despite having 14 shots on goal and showing plenty of promise in front of goal.

Antoni Sarcevic’s strike just before the hour mark proved the difference between the two sides and U’s boss McGreal said: “I’m still picking and I want more really.

“I want more efforts because we’re in control and it’s just that final pass or final cross, when we’re on top.

“That’s the big thing - we should be scoring from our opportunities.”